Dear Editor,
A survey conducted by the NACTA polling organization in Trinidad shows that civic groups and civic-minded individuals enjoy greater respect and popularity than the regular run of the mill “traditional” politicians. People have lost respect for politicians because of the escalation in crime and corruption and poor governance. They want change.
People have greater faith in the civic-minded individuals than in traditional politicians to solve their problems. They are so fed up of politics as usual and politicians in general that they want prominent civic individuals to become actively involved in politics. They feel a government of civic-minded individuals will be more responsive to their concerns and more successful at finding solutions to the many problems facing the country.
The survey was conducted last week with 460 individuals to reflect a demographic representation of the population.
The findings show that a large majority of voters are disenchanted with the current PNM administration and would like to see political change but they say there is no alternative to the PNM. Voters do not have faith in the currently constituted opposition UNC led by Basdeo Panday or its break away faction, COP led by former Central Bank Governor Winston Dookeran, defeating the PNM in elections due by October.
Most voters say they have lost faith in the traditional politicians rescuing the nation from escalating crime and other social ills. They feel the government and opposition political parties should seek the assistance of the various Chambers of Commerce and concerned civic groups and individuals to find solutions to the problems facing the nation. Almost every individual polled feels everyone should work together for the betterment of the country but they don’t feel this will happen. They also say the government should consult with the people on policy decisions some of which have provoked protests especially those to build alumina smelter plants.
Almost 85% of the people polled feel the time has come for civic-minded individuals to throw their hat in the political ring to provide an alternative to some of the current crop of failing politicians. Voters say the politicians created the social problems in the country and it would require the intervention of the civic groups to solve the problems. Voters feel “non-political” individuals of prestige and integrity owe a sacred duty to rescue the nation from its current malaise and hopelessness. The civics will add credibility to any political organization. Indeed, the findings of the poll show “the civics” could make the difference in the outcome of the next election buttressing the electoral chances of the opposition. The civics teaming up with the opposition parties could pose a serious challenge to the PNM.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
